French · Brive-la-Gaillarde, France · Born 26 March 1994French winger whose blistering pace, clinical finishing and spectacular tries have made him one of the most dangerous and exciting attacking backs in the modern French game.
Damian Penaud is France's prolific winger, one of the most dangerous finishers in world rugby with exceptional speed, excellent footwork, and a reliable finishing touch. His try-scoring exploits for Clermont and France have produced some of the most exciting tries seen in European rugby, and he has consistently been one of the top try scorers in the Premiership and international rugby. The son of former France international Alain Penaud, Damian became the joint-record try scorer in Top 14 history and one of the most feared finishers in the Six Nations, moving from Clermont to Bordeaux Bègles in 2023 and continuing to torment defences on the wing for France into the 2026 World Cup cycle.
He was France's leading try scorer during their Grand Slam-winning 2022 Six Nations Championship campaign.
How They Played
Penaud is renowned for his exceptional pace and ability to finish tries in tight spaces. He possesses strong footwork and agility that allows him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His positioning and timing make him a constant threat on the wing, while his work rate in defense adds valuable balance to his game.
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clermont Auvergne | 2017–2024 | — | 24 | #11 |
| Stade Aurillacois | 2014–2017 | 184 | 24 | #11 |
 France | — | 38 | 18 | — |
French Athletes